Child Care/Child Care Licensing

There are many excellent child care providers in Harvey County.

While the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with local health departments, seeks to assure that child care sites are safe and healthy places for children, the regulations for providers are only minimum standards.

Many other things go into making a good child care choice. This means parents have a large responsibility in selecting a child care site they feel good about, can trust, is safe, and is the right fit for their child.

Information and brochures on finding quality child care are available at the Harvey County Health Department, 215 South Pine Street, 2nd floor in Newton.

Find Harvey County Child Care Providers

For a list of providers, contact the Kansas Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies at 1-877-678-2548 orhttp://www.kaccrra.org/

Call or email Claudia at the Health Department 316-283-1637.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Concerns/Questions/Complaints

If you have a concern, question, or complaint about a child care provider, whether you are a parent, grandparent, or a concerned citizen, call or email Claudia, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., at the Health Department, 316-283-5667, ext. 224.

Become a Licensed Provider

With the population growing in Harvey County and more parents going to work, there is an ongoing need for quality child care services in Harvey County.

The health department welcomes inquiries from individuals and organizations interested in opening a child care site. If you are, or are planning to, provide child care in either of the following situations, you must be licensed with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE):

Anyone who cares for 1 or 2 children unrelated to the provider for more than a total of 20 child care hours per week away from the child's own home.

Anyone who cares for 3 or more children unrelated to the provider away from the children's home, regardless of the number of hours per week.

Here are the steps to getting started in becoming a licensed child care provider:

Attend an orientation class. Arrange a class time with the Child Care Licensing Coordinator at the Health Department. Cost for orientation is $25. 316-283-1637

Orientation must be completed before you can submit an application. Applications are available on-line fromwww.kdheks.gov/kidsnet.

Bring your completed application and application fee of $85 to the Harvey County Health Department. An initial survey will be scheduled soon after application materials are processed.

If you have any questions about the licensing process,please contact the Health Department at 316-283-5667 Ext. 224.